New york: The State of Qatar participated in the emergency ministerial meeting of the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad represented Qatar at the meeting.
According to Qatar News Agency, Qatar's statement at the meeting affirmed its adherence to the Islamic Group's position. Her Excellency stated that mediation and diplomacy are the only ways to resolve disputes, highlighting the joint efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to broker a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. These efforts were recognized by the Security Council in Resolution 2735 (2024), despite being undermined by an Israeli airstrike on a residential area in Doha on Sep. 9, which resulted in civilian casualties, including the death of Bader Al Dosari, 22, and injuries to 18 others.
Her Excellency emphasized that the Israeli attack on a mediating state violated its sovereignty and international humanitarian law, undermining the principle of mediation and dialogue. Protecting mediators is crucial for maintaining international peace and security. International solidarity with Qatar was evident, as demonstrated by a Security Council statement on Sep. 11 and the Arab-Islamic summit in Doha, all condemning the Israeli attack as a threat to regional security.
The Minister highlighted an unprecedented international consensus in support of a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the two-state solution, evident during the High-Level Week. This was further supported by statements from heads of state and government at the General Assembly and the ministerial conference co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, with Qatar's participation. Several countries announced their recognition of the State of Palestine, enhancing the international effort to resolve longstanding issues.
Her Excellency pointed out that the consensus is reflected in numerous General Assembly resolutions, urging the Security Council to adopt the draft resolution submitted by elected states. The council bears responsibility for measures to halt the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, prevent genocide, and ensure Israel's compliance with resolutions for an immediate ceasefire.
Her Excellency condemned Israel's systematic violations of international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territories, including targeting civilians, using starvation as a weapon, and attacking infrastructure and religious sites. These actions threaten the two-state solution and regional stability.
Her Excellency called for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East by adhering to the Arab Peace Initiative and international resolutions. She urged the international community, particularly the Security Council, to adopt steps to end the Israeli occupation and ensure recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Her Excellency called on the United Nations to activate mechanisms for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ensure humanitarian aid access, lift the siege, protect mediators, and work towards a political settlement based on the two-state solution for international security and stability.